For as long as he can remember, Jamie Kripke has felt the pull of art. Growing up in suburban Toledo, Ohio, he had a natural creative itch, but like many artists, he sought a path that balanced passion with practicality. In an effort to satisfy both his artistic inclination and his parents' expectations, he pursued a career in commercial photography—a field that combined his love for visual storytelling with business.
For 25 years, Kripke thrived in the commercial photography world. Having studied fine art in college, he always maintained an appreciation for artistic expression, but his career kept him focused on client-driven projects. That began to change in 2012 when he found himself gradually shifting towards personal artistic endeavors. By 2020, he made a definitive break, fully embracing his identity as an independent artist.
“I think it’s just a part of that progression that so many people go through,” Kripke reflects. “You do something for a long time, you get better at it, and it becomes second nature.”
The moment he knew he needed to leave commercial photography was crystal clear. “I was standing on set thinking, ‘I don’t want to be here.’” While he looks back fondly on his experiences—traveling the world, working on fascinating projects, and meeting incredible people—he couldn’t shake the feeling that he wanted to be home, creating art on his own terms. “It was obvious to me that to evolve to the next step, I had to let it go.”
Interestingly, throughout his commercial career, he met many aspiring artists eager to break into the industry. Meanwhile, he found himself envying solo creators who had the freedom to explore their own artistic voice. Now, as one of them, his work is deeply rooted in “listening to his curiosity.”
Kripke’s creative process is fueled by recurring ideas—“patterns” that resurface and demand to be explored. His work seamlessly blends photography and graphic design, resulting in surreal compositions that capture not just what exists in reality but the abstract visions in his mind. His background in photography and Photoshop provided the foundation for this evolution, allowing him to push beyond traditional imagery into what he describes as “photo illustration.”
“It’s not a photo, it’s not a drawing, and it’s not graphic design, but I’m creating new elements,” he explains. Beyond digital mediums, Kripke also works with woodblock prints and paper-based art. While he is a digital native, he finds immense joy in stepping away from the screen. “It’s not zeros and ones–you can’t reproduce it, you can’t Ctrl+Z your way out of it.”
A significant influence on his current work came from living in Japan last year, where he immersed himself in the traditional craft of Mokuhanga woodblock printing. He appreciates the interplay between digital and tactile mediums, often alternating between them to refresh his creative approach. Learning the patience and precision required for Mokuhanga has deeply influenced his approach to other mediums as well, making him more mindful of process and craftsmanship.
Beyond his personal artistic journey, Kripke places a strong emphasis on community. When asked how his art shapes his relationships with people and the world around him, he speaks passionately about the network of artists he surrounds himself with. The creative exchange among fellow artists fosters a healthy, dynamic environment for generating ideas. His studio—a bright, open space—also plays a role in his work. “In a way, the space dictates the work,” he says, noting how different environments impact his creative energy and the type of art he produces.
Occasionally, he utilizes Anderson Ranch’s large-scale printing presses and equipment to expand his artistic possibilities. He has also staged houses and sold artwork online, but his ultimate vision extends beyond just personal creation. He hopes to open a larger gallery space that serves not only as a venue for exhibitions but also as a hub for community-driven events and artistic connection. He envisions a space where artists can collaborate, showcase their work, and engage in dialogue that pushes creative boundaries.
One of Kripke’s guiding principles is listening to the inner voice that guides creative exploration. While in Japan, he spent time capturing images that “spoke to him,” allowing these moments to evolve into new artistic directions. He has always believed in giving himself the space to explore freely, knowing that not every piece will become a finished work, but each exploration serves as a stepping stone for future creations.
Looking ahead, he’s got many ideas, one of which is staging an exhibition unlike any other: a hike into the mountains, where attendees reach a destination transformed into a pop-up gallery experience. The idea of merging nature and art in a meaningful way excites him and definitely reflects the inclination toward nature most of us in the area can relate to.
For Kripke, art is about evolution, curiosity, and the willingness to follow inspiration wherever it leads. His journey from commercial photography to fine art is a testament to the power of trusting oneself and embracing change. Through his work, he invites others to do the same–whether that means breaking away from convention, pursuing passion, or simply listening more intently to the creative voice within.
To learn more, visit JamieKripke.com